I know I have been harping on this subject on other boards, but I believe this issue will not be handled as easily as it could be under different circumstances.
First, I understand the rule as set forth and writen by the VHSL for high school bats this season. However, I do have a couple of questions.
How will individual umpires determine whether a barrel is aluminum alloy or composite? Will it by markings on the individual bats? Are all bats clearly marked? If a bat is questioned by an umpire and team/player provides a description provided by the manufacturer as to the construction of the bat, do you believe that the individual umpires will accept this written statement from the bat's manufacturer or make a subjective judgment? And lastly, do you believe that this issue will cause problems during the season, seeing that individual umpires must make their own judgment on bats at each and every game with no listing of legal or illegal bats provided by the VHSL (especially since the NFHS and VHSL do not specifically recognize the same rule)?
First, I understand the rule as set forth and writen by the VHSL for high school bats this season. However, I do have a couple of questions.
How will individual umpires determine whether a barrel is aluminum alloy or composite? Will it by markings on the individual bats? Are all bats clearly marked? If a bat is questioned by an umpire and team/player provides a description provided by the manufacturer as to the construction of the bat, do you believe that the individual umpires will accept this written statement from the bat's manufacturer or make a subjective judgment? And lastly, do you believe that this issue will cause problems during the season, seeing that individual umpires must make their own judgment on bats at each and every game with no listing of legal or illegal bats provided by the VHSL (especially since the NFHS and VHSL do not specifically recognize the same rule)?